'The Voice' recap: Josh Kaufman leads Top 12

“The Voice” finally hits the live shows and the results were, well, mixed.

Theoretically, the main differences between “The Voice” and “American Idol” disappear once both shows hit the live shows, but that’s not true. “The Voice” finalists are much more seasoned and confident on stage and the show’s coaches are far more entertaining and likable than the “Idol” judges. That said, Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Shakira and Usher also seem unable to say a negative word at this stage of the competition, unless it’s directed at each other.

Even when things went wrong during the show, their reaction was, “You’re awesome!” And that’s not exactly helpful to voters, who have to sort things out for themselves. (You can still vote at "The Voice" website or buy your favorite song on iTunes until noon.)

Here’s how the Top 12 stacked up:

1. Josh Kaufman, “Stay With Me”: His take on the current Sam Smith hit was well-planned and well-executed, letting the emotion build. It’s a smart move from Usher, showing how Josh, who obviously has a great voice, could also easily be on the radio today. “You’re so clever to start the song so understated and contained,” Shakira said. “Your skills as a vocalist are just extraordinary.” “You completely commanded this entire room,” Usher said. “You have completely made this my night.”

2. Sisaundra Lewis, “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”: After slaying Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind,” this time she goes after an Elton John classic. It wasn’t quite as masterful, but still pretty great, right up until the run at the end that made it like the end of the national anthem. “Every time you come out here, you just blow everybody’s socks off,” Usher said, comparing her to Patti LaBelle.

3. Kristen Merlin, “Stay”: She actually had two moments during the Sugarland song. The first was early on, as her understated delivery revealed a grace that we hadn’t seen from her before. The second came when her mic went out and she was left to sing though no one could hear her. “You handled it so gracefully, it was as if nothing happened,” Levine said of the technical mishap. Shakira said the heartfelt delivery had her mesmerized. “I’m so proud of you,” Shakira said. “You should be so proud of everything you’ve accomplished ... You’re unbelievable.”

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4. Jake Worthington, “Anymore”: He does a nice job with the Travis Tritt song, making it feel authentic and believable. “You may be the most endearing contestant on this show,” Shakira said. “It’s just by being yourself.” Shelton talks about the importance of honesty in country music. “You nailed it, dude,” he said. “You made me proud.”

5. Delvin Choice, “Unchained Melody”: Levine gave Delvin the Righteous Brothers’ classic, telling him, “You’ve got to sing this song like you’re dying.” He took the advice well, offering a mostly gorgeous, soulful reading of the song with both finesse and power. “Your voice is so silky, I was able to lose myself in the moment,” Shakira said.

6. Kat Perkins, “Magic Man”: She really handles the Heart classic pretty easily, which is no small feat. The one thing that doesn’t quite come through, though, is where she is in the song. “That really was amazing,” Usher said. “You know why you’re here and you’re just introducing the world to who you are.” Levine said he’s impressed with how she’s tackled difficult classics. “It’s impossible to sing these songs,” he said. “It’s mind-blowing.”

7. Christina Grimmie, “Dark Horse”: So she was pretty great throughout the Katy Perry song, which Shakira rightly labeled as tough, and then wobbled a little on the big note. “You’re the artist to beat on Adam’s team,” Shelton said. Levine said it was like she was performing on the VMAs.

8. Audra McLaughlin, “Angel of the Morning”: This was not pretty. Audra struggled with the verses of the Merrilee Rush classic and never really got back on track. “I’d have to pee if I held a note that long,” Usher said, though he didn’t mention that it was off-key. None of the coaches did, actually. Her coach Shelton said he was thrilled to work with her and her unique voice.

9. Dani Moz, “Just Give Me a Reason”: This Pink song is deceptively difficult to sing, going from laid-back cool to power notes in a matter of measures. Dani was rushed in her phrasing at times and while she was trying not to be too “musical theater,” her over-singing in places went beyond musical theater cliches. She’s talented but she needs to rein it in even more. “Your dynamics were perfect,” Shakira said. “You gave us your all.”

10. T.J. Wilkins, “Waiting on the World to Change”: He tapped into the problem with the John Mayer song, saying he wanted to be “the change,” but then the chorus is all about waiting. In any case, he tried to turn it into a gospel anthem and got about halfway there, which landed standing ovations from Usher and Shakira. “You are extraordinary,” Shakira said. “Amazing job.” Usher said he followed his heart by choosing the song. “This was an incredible breakthrough moment for you,” Usher said.

11. Tess Boyer, “I’ll Be There for You”: Tess hit all the right notes in the Bon Jovi power ballad, but she couldn’t quite nail the right emotion. Her delivery was a little too sweet, but the coaches still liked it. “You’re the artist on Team Shakira to beat,” Shelton said. “You’re gonna go so much further.” Shakira applauded her ability to take direction. “You nailed it, girl,” Shakira said.

12. Bria Kelly, “Rolling in the Deep”: “You’re ready to shock America,” Usher told her in rehearsals. He wasn’t wrong. Her version of the Adele smash was so harsh that it became unlistenable in places. She was so intent on showing off her grit and edge that she didn’t really pay attention to what she was singing. Her big note was impressive technically, but not emotionally correct.  Adam Levine wanted the song sung in a higher key. “I felt fire in your voice,” Usher said. “You gave a great performance.”

BOTTOM THREE: Tess, Dani, T.J.

WILL BE CUT: Dani, T.J.

SHOULD BE CUT: Bria, Tess

ACTUALLY CUT: Dani, T.J.